Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksiy Reznikov on Monday categorically denied allegations of corruption in contracts for the logistics of the country’s armed forces, in particular, for the purchase of food at inflated prices.

“The most obvious purpose (of these accusations) seems to be (…) to undermine the credibility of the Ministry of Defense at this very critical time,” Mr. Reznikov said on Facebook on Monday.

The accusations have no real basis, the minister insisted, while promising full transparency in the investigation, which, according to him, is ongoing.

“In fact, this is a common technical error of suppliers,” Mr. Reznikov continued, thus explaining the price that the Ukrainian military pays for obtaining eggs.

Instead of unit price, payment is made per 100 grams. This explains why the price paid by the armed forces is three times the retail price in Kyiv.

According to Minister Reznikov, transport costs, especially the risks associated with delivery near the front line, are also a factor driving up prices.

For every Ukrainian soldier, the cost of food per day is just under $3.7. Cost growth since last year has reached 21.5%, always according to Alexei Reznikov, that is, below the official inflation (26.6%).

A recent publication in the newspaper Zn.Ua about the prices at which food is supplied to the armed forces of Ukraine caused an uproar in the country, which is considered one of the most corrupt in Europe.

Authorities later announced that they were already investigating purchases worth about $326 million.

Ukraine, invaded by the Russian army 11 months ago, finances its military spending largely thanks to financial assistance from Western countries.

Source: RES-IPE